What do you think of this film particularly?
As I said I like being mobile and free. There’s nothing more disappointing than missing photographs because you’re carrying equipment. I’ve learned that a more compelling tale can be made using the smallest amount of equipment – my bag was not able to make it to the wedding in Ischia, Italy and I was forced to capture the whole thing using a single lens and only one body. The results were among my best work from that time!
The majority of the challenges (baggage allowance as well as mobility and heat) are overcome with a smaller equipment. I’ve already talked about cancelled flights and the need to prepare. Another issue is getting around without a cell signal. I use the Tom-tom app on my phone and plan as many things as I can prior to I fly, by adding pins for all locations that are on the Map. Then, I drive to each location on the day prior to the wedding day to ensure that I’m aware of where I’m going during the wedding day.
Transportation and luxury accommodations.
I’ve also had problems with batteries depleting quickly when temperatures were -40 in Russia and lenses that were steaming up in the building, but that’s a different story.
In Mexico the film was shot in Mexico. the production was first-rate because of Charlotte, Johan and their family member movie studios and planner Margarita Fink. I was taken care of with ample food, transportation and luxury accommodations. The biggest issue for me at the wedding ceremony was Tequila which was given to me by the groom each five minutes! But seriously. In this instance, an additional photographer could have been beneficial. I was forced to take a risk for the Glidecam photo of Charlotte and her father going down the steps to the procession. It was extremely nerve-wracking! But worth it.
Take down rather than another body.
What camera did you use? What camera? What lenses? Gimbals, tripods, etc… What is the reason did you decide to use this system?
I was using the Sony A7s bodies using Zeiss Batis 85 f1.8, Canon 35 f2 and Samyang 14 f3.2. I was walking around for the majority of the time without a bag, but two bodies in spiderholsters black Widows with the 35 and 85. It was a great experience, however I’ve switched to an Temba messenger bag as it’s much easier to carry and take down rather than another body.
I was using I used a Glidecam HD2000 because I was not impressed with the gimbals available that time. I’m not fully sure. I own the Beholder EC1 but still miss the simplicity of the old-fashioned Glidecam.
I’ve also purchased an Zeiss Batis 18 f2.8 and Zeiss Loxia 50 f2. An amazing setup, as the 18 is AF which makes it perfect for a gimbal. And the 50 is completely manual making it great for handheld use. The focus ring is addicting! My favorite lens in my hands! Also, I tried the Loxia 85 but it was unnatural compared to the 50 and Batis 85.
Did you employ any filters on your lens?
Yes, I tried ND filters at the beginning and was able to achieve good results but I realized that, for my “in camera video production services near me story telling” photography, it’s essential that I have a photo that is properly exposed and ready to shoot within a matter of seconds. When I spot an image that is ruined due to the excessively sharp fast shutter speed, I use motion blur to the post.
What lighting configuration (if you have one) were you using? If you were using only the light that was available What were the difficulties and advantages?
There is no lighting in this I normally only carry a mini Pag Light. I love using the spot as a method to create a rim lighting for the dancer or singer. In this instance, the event went pretty quickly from speeches to cake to fireworks, to the first dance. There was also an entire ring of guests with sparklers during the first dance that was trying to match the Mini Pag. The only problem with limited lighting is if it’s an unattractive lighting space, which usually happens in the church. Natural light can look stunning if you’re imaginative with it. The problem is when the natural light is masked by something unpleasant and you’d love to take action to fix it.
